This here is an instance where I need to re-read the info to see if this was an editorial shoot or an actual wedding. The photos of the Bride and Groom in the water look like something out of a magazine and have me considering some epic post-receptions pics myself. Closer to Love Photography worked their magic behind the lens and Zomei Film Stories captured the romance of this breathtaking celebration.
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From Closer to Love… There truly are no words to fully describe how beautiful the Virgin Islands are. Full of lush greenery and the most beautiful crystal clear turquoise water we’ve ever seen, it was like paradise on earth. Marci and David, along with their families became our very own family, and we built a lifetime of unforgettable memories. As photographers, we often times found ourselves speechless and in awe at all the amazingness that was before us. We had to come to grips that nothing could ever top this trip, and we just had to accept the reality that everything would be compared to the Virgin Islands – which would be a very tough location to follow! Marci and David’s St. John wedding was filled with detail and personal touches. They chose green as their main wedding color to honor David’s Irish background. To honor Marci’s Louisiana roots, the couple along with their guests had a traditional New Orleans Second Line, marching through the streets of St. John after their beautiful ceremony! We were truly honored to be part of it all and will forever treasure these memories (and more) in our hearts!
From the Bride… It wasn’t a difficult decision for us to choose the Virgin Islands as our wedding destination. It is after all where David and I met and fell in love ten years ago. We couldn’t wait to share our marriage with friends and family in such a magical place, and it was truly everything we dreamt of.
I was in shock when David got down on one knee in the middle of Rome, though I should’ve expected it, he’s such a romantic! I loved being engaged and tried to soak in every moment of the planning process. I’ve never been a “big wedding” bride, much to the dismay of my large southern family. However, my family didn’t mind the smaller wedding idea once they saw photos of our favorite islands.
The most important aspect of planning was ensuring all our wedding events were as personal and intimate as possible. From Australia to Germany, California to Rhode Island, our guests came from many places to celebrate, and we wanted them to feel at home. Our welcome party started off with a huge pot of my dad’s Louisiana crawfish étouffée, a sure hit amongst our southern and northern friends alike. We hosted beach parties, boating trips, and a sunset cruise after our rehearsal.
Since we were unable to visit our location prior to the wedding week, we took pleasure in the unknown and tried not to obsess over every detail. This worked to our advantaged as we were surprised and completely blown away with how perfect it all turned out. My mother’s cathedral length veil, a custom handkerchief made from my mother, grandmothers, and mother-in-law’s wedding dresses, and David’s grandfather’s tie pin set the tone for a ceremony filled with love and tradition. We chose green as our main wedding color to honor David’s Irish background. To honor my Louisiana roots, we had a traditional New Orleans Second Line through the streets of St. John after our ceremony.
Personalizing our wedding details was very special to me. I loved creating our invitations, party favors, and place cards. I took calligraphy and watercolor courses in order to prepare, and David and I stayed up late many nights hand embossing each invitation, water coloring our wedding map and menus, and putting together welcome bags. My most favorite detail was the stamps we used on our wedding envelopes. I found vintage stamps from every state we’ve lived. They were the first thing wedding guests saw when their invitation arrived and it showcased our love of our past and excitement for our future.
Our wedding could not have been more perfect. It was intimate, romantic, and relaxed, as well as hilarious and wild when we completed our night with an impromptu dance party with locals in the town square. The starlit boat ride home after our reception still gives me chills. David and I sat hand in hand as husband and wife, surrounded by our nearest and dearest in our favorite place on earth, on our now most favorite day.
Photography: Closer to Love Photography | Videography: Zomei Film Stories | Wedding Coordinator: Angela Berry | Florist: Passion Flowers Of St John | Wedding Dress: Watters - Jacinda Gown | Wedding Cake: VI Desserts | Invitations: Doucet Lettering | Church: Our Lady Of Mount Carmel, St. John | Reception Venue: Asolare | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Watters | Hair + Makeup: Artistry By Kristina | Groom's Attire: Cubavera | Boutique: Lovely Bridal Shop | Bridal Veil: Bride’s Mother’s Veil | Cake Topper: Milk Tea | Headband: BHLDN | Welcome Bags, Custom Luggage Tags, Menus, Place Cards: Doucet Lettering